I’m very excited to share the 9th episode of the Woolful podcast, I really am this excited every week, trust me ;). Today we get to meet two women whom I’ve come to greatly admire, each from opposite sides of the world. Both Karen Templer of Fringe Association and Felicia Semple of The Craft Sessions, focus on intentional making and creating a handmade wardrobe, and that doing so doesn’t take talent, but a willingness to learn.

Sponsor: This week’s episode is sponsored by StashBot. Buy yarn smarter with Hannah Fettig’s new iOS app StashBot. If you find a yarn you can’t live without, StashBot will help you determine how much you should buy. It will pay for itself again and again as it saves you from purchasing more skeins of yarn than you need. Just as importantly it will keep your stash useful as you will be sure to have enough yarn to knit the projects you would like. StashBot will soon be available for Android and is also available in print. For more information head to www.knitbot.com/stashbot.

Man on the Street: For this week’s “Man on the Street” I asked a handful of fiber enthusiasts to answer the following question, “Share a little about your stash and the goals you have for it this year…”. We had some amazing replies from, Andrea @dreareneeknits, Jennifer @jaykay_knits, and Maria @ninja.chickens.

Fiber folk 2: I was first introduced to our next guest via Instagram through a friend nearly two years ago and I remember being amazed by her thoughtfulness in what she made for herself and her family, as well as for a community she was building in Australia, The Craft Sessions. Felicia has been on incredible journey, one that has led her to some amazing discoveries in mindful making. You can find her at thecraftsessions.com and on Instagram @thecraftsessions.

This week we’re giving away a $25 gift certificate to our first guests shop, Fringe Supply Co. Karen has put together such a beautiful collection of tools and supplies, that I can only imagine it will be hard to pick just what to get! To enter this giveaway, leave a comment below.

yay! I found your podcast just after Christmas, and I’ve been gradually working my way through, and now I’ve caught up! I love the Fringe Association blog, and need to take a look at the Craft Sessions. What both Karen and Felicia said about being intentional and thinking about what you need really resonated with me. Great job Ashley!

oops! I accidentally commented under an old post! I listened to part of episode 9 on my commute this morning, and cracked a huge smile as Karen described her journey towards a more conscientious wardrobe. xo

Love your beautiful podcast! We just moved to Idaho, about 3 years ago now and I love it here. We don’t live north like you do but closer to Boise. I can hardly wait to see your sheep when you get them! Congratulations on getting a beautiful place! I really enjoy your guest this week and took a moment to say Thank you!

Just found woolful last night and have been binging the episodes and following all the amazing artists on Instagram. Thank you thank you for the work that you are doing so inspiring and so intelligent!

I’m so happy to learn about these two blogs. I’ve drooled over products from Fringe Supply, but hadn’t found Karen’s blog yet- what a beautiful blog, helpful and inspirational. I’m about to move across the country, so I’m working towards paring down the stash (and everything else), and both of these ladies have made me feel much more momentum toward that process!

I am new to the fiber world so listening to your podcast has really helped to jump start my developing love of this new medium! This weeks’ podcast was so intriguing and inspiring. I loved the reminder that “nothing is hard, it’s just new”. So true!

Wonderful way to start my Tuesday- Karen’s blog was the first knitting blog I came across that made me think both “I could make that” and “I want to wear that” about all of her pattern and wool choices.

I have been following Karen’s blog for the past year or so and really enjoyed your conversation. It is inspiring to listen to others who have been knitting for less than ten years and are sharing and making extraordinary patterns, yarn and products for all of us.

Hey Ashley, loved your guests for this podcast. Every podcast you have is like learning how to knit. You learn something new, every time. Love Fringe Supply Co. I read her blog before. Actually got me into knitting sweaters because I was so scared. Keep up the good work. You got me hooked from the first podcast and always waiting for the next one!!!! 🙂 Very inspiring for you to share all this knowledge.

this week’s podcast really hit home with me, as it’s been on my mind more and more to not only stash less, but also to be more thoughtful in all my making processes. thanks for this – super inspirational! and thank you for letting me be just a tiny part of it 🙂

Thank you for another wonderful and inspiring episode. Love the idea of clearing out my closet and filling it with all handmade objects whether it is handknit or handsewn. Maybe a goal for me in 2015. 🙂 Thank you for the wonderful inspiration. ♡

I am a huge fan of Fringe.So cool to be able to put a voice together with the blog.
Always enjoying these interviews and the different angles of the fiber community that each guest brings to life.
(Should I be so lucky to win the giveaway, I know already what I’d get!)

This is my favorite podcast so far (although I say that after every one of your podcasts). I’ve been following Karen’s blog for a long time and to listen to her story was awesom. Felicia’s story was very interesting also.

I’m so thankful for this podcast (and the others) I follow Karen Temple on Instagram and have had the opportunity to learn about her life and history outside of Instagram. It almost feels like we are having coffee together!

This week’s podcast–what an inspiration! I seriously need cull my stash. I also have a sweater I’ve been contemplating ripping out because it has sat in my closet for years. Now I feel more emboldened to do so! Thank you for another great episode!

I follow both Karen and Felicia’s blogs and it was wonderful to hear them tell their stories of how they both became more thoughtful about what they were making, why they were making and encouragement to be fearless when it comes to trying things out. Great podcast. thanks

I thought this podcast was particularly inspiring. I’m a knitter who is also tempted to delve into sewing and have purchased a lot of material for projects that I liked, but I don’t actually turn on my sewing machine for fear of failure, I think. It was a relief to hear that talent is not something I will need, just practice. Thank you.

Another inspirational podcast. I loved how these two interviewees, with their shared focus on intentional wardrobes, were paired together. I will certainly be taking a fresh look at both my yarn and fabric stashes in the coming days!

Thanks for another superb podcast! I’m not a huge knitter, but I consider myself part of the fiber community no-less. I’ve caught up on all the episodes while stitching to my heart’s content. Can’t wait for the next one.

I’ve just discovered your lovely podcasts and now I’m really addicted!
I feel the same about being conscious of what we wear and about this idea of “slow fashion”. I’m trying to buy less, make my clothes by myself (not easy cause I’m a beginner sewer…) and use what I already own in a smarter way.
So thanks to you, Karen and Felicia to share your ideas and make me feel part of a community!

I love the items in Karen’s store. Whether or not I win this week’s prize (likely not), I’ll be ordering a few things I’ve been coveting for quite a while. And, thank you so much for putting these stories out there in the world. It’s amazing how there are such familiar threads in each person’s journey (including my own). Looking forward to more…

What a nice experience. This is my first time listning to your podcast. Now I just feel like snuggling up in my knitting chair with my head phones on and take them all in a row 🙂 So nice to being part of an international community just by listening.

Loved the podcast this week. I have a sweater that I haven’t worn because I made it a bit too short. Your conversation with Felicia really made me think about ripping it out and remaking it for my son. Yes, it took up a lot of my time and yes, it will take a lot of time for me to make a new sweater for Aidan but it will get worn this way!! I’ll just need my husband to handle the frogging for me…

found you through Fringe Association and I’m so excited to listen to all your back episodes! I love all aspects of fiber, and am so glad to hear such a range in your podcast. Also excited about the prospect of a giveaway. Thanks so much!

I loved the discussion surrounding the general cultural belief that you must be talented to successfully make something beautiful, especially this bit from Felicia, “Often what they’re lacking is the belief they can do it.” There is nothing more satisfying than to teach someone with that mindset to knit–and watch them fall in love with the process. Loved hearing from both Karen and Felicia!

I started listening to the podcast about four days ago and I’m disappointed that I’ve already caught up! Its been so motivating and inspiring to listed to while I work and the breaks I take away from my weaving are filled with looking up someones instagram or to google more information on cormo sheep of woofing opportunities. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future!

Wow!!!! Very inspiring podcast. This is my first time here, but it definitely won’t be my last. I loved every second. Karen and Felicia have no idea how much they have inspired me. A big thank you all for a very professional podcast.

Wonderful as always Ashley! There was so much that I could relate to this week. Found myself nodding my head to Felicia as I finished listening tonight while making dinner. Thank you for all your hard work – you are a true inspiration.

I have just recently discovered your wonderful podcast & site – I’m totally hooked! And I couldn’t wait to listen to this week’s episode since the Fringe Association is one of my daily reads for fiber & knitting inspiration! 🙂

Another fantastic episode, Ashley! I can very much relate to the sentiments of both Karen and Felicia – I’ve been working on making my own wardrobe since I learnt to knit and sew a few years ago (and am finally getting there after a long time of making stuff that wasn’t very good!). So lovely that you’re featuring so many Aussies too, and having been lucky enough to go to both of the craft sessions so far I can attest to the fact that what Felicia has created truly is wonderful! x

I admire Karen and Felicia so much. It was great to hear their voices and learn more about their journeys in consciously creating. I’d love a gift card to treat myself with some beautiful new tools. Cheers <3

I loved how Karen talked about how everything in knitting is possible, we just need to let go of the idea that we can’t do it. I was amazed at Felicia’s camping trip and how it inspired her to reevaluate the things we hold on to in life, and also that yarn we really treasure should be made info objects 🙂

I really enjoy Woolful and how it goes into the motivation and philosophy of different makers, and I’m always learning from each episode!

I listen to this podcast while I am at my day job and it just takes all the pain of the mundane away! I am so inspired by the time I leave work that I have new-found energy to keep working on my pieces when I get home. Thank you for developing this wonderful podcast and sponsoring such a wonderful giveaway!

Discovering Woolful and the podcasts has been a revelation to me – it is a turn in my fiber journey but also in my life. Those last month, last year, i have been documenting myself a lot on food, in order to eat healthier and more ethically. And I feel like doing the same about my knitting
And when I started to hear the first podcast, it felt like an invitation, I was not alone anymore, like a door open to learn more. I am so greatful of how people are willing to share and spread their love, to educate and inspire others like me.
Thank you x

I really enjoyed this episode! I have followed Fringe Supply and Karen ‘ s blog but it was very special to hear her speak about her experience with the fiber world. Both Karen and Felicia had interesting stories to share.

I’m finally caught up with prior Woolful podcasts so I am excited to listen to this one soon! I’ve seen the phrase handmade wardrobe kicking around recently and I am very intrigued and will have to think how to apply that to myself besides just knit accessories.

I am so grateful for this podcast and love to hear all of your interviews, but I was especially excited about this episode as I am familiar with Karen and Felicia and am a big fan of both of their blogs. How inspiring- thank you!

This was my first Wooful podcast and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Karen and Felicia were both fascinating to listen to and I have since spent several hours reading both of their blogs. Thanks so much for sharing them with us! I will definitely be listening to more Woolful podcasts!

This was my favorite episode so far! All of you ladies are so inspiring. Have been eyeing Fringe for some time now, already putting everything on my Christmas list. Thanks so much for this podcast, I look forward to it every week 🙂

As a new knitter and lover of wool, I really love these podcasts and learning all sorts of new things. Fringe Association has quickly become one of my go-to blogs to read every day and it is so awesome to hear you speak to Karen. Knitting really has become my ‘quiet place’ and I find myself diving in deeper learning about all these designers and makers. Thank you!

Came across your blog via Instagram. I’ve been recently obsessed with knit ting would love to take it further to fitful my dream of opening an etsy store! I’d love to make handmade things for friends, family, and eventually sell it for everyone else to have handmade goods! It gives me such an accomplished feeling to make something out of nothing but yarn, needles and my hands!

Came across your blog via Instagram. I’ve recently been obsessed with knitting and would love to take it further to fulfill my dream of opening an etsy store! I’d love to make handmade things for friends, family, and eventually sell it so everyone else can have handmade goods! It gives me such an accomplished feeling to make something out of nothing but yarn, needles and my hands!

Thanks again for an amazing episode! I loved hearing both stories but especially Karen’s journey. I am a long time crocheter who is just learning to knit and it’s great to hear how other people started.

Ashley each week your podcast is so consistently good! Thoughtful interactions with thoughtful folk. So much to learn and so much to enjoy and savor. My only difficulty is the increasing number of places I would like to visit!

Your guest choices remain excellent. Both guests were very thought provoking and sometimes quite amusing. Felicia’s comments about stash resonate with what I have been feeling for some time; it is good to know that I am not alone. My efforts to reduce stash are seen by some as puritanical, by others as an economic threat. Thanks for the moral support!

I was living parallel life to Karen, toying with knitting on clicky old aluminum and brown acrylic, not catching the bug for another 25 years, I too studied Graphic design on the cusp of computer age: I loved the wax machine and the physical act of building design. Once computerized I realized the field was not for me- impressed she stuck it out- I ended up somewhat happier in product development and catalog buying for a museum. Thanks for the episode, Woolful!

I enjoyed listening to Karen Templar and Felicia Semple’s stories. I found learning to knit could be a little dull. When I learned, I chose a scarf pattern that had a few changes to it to keep me interested. When I teach knitting, the worst thing I can do is teach people to make a scarf they don’t want to wear or gift or finish. But, I am one of those people who doesn’t have the jump into it gumption with my knitting. Sewing, yes. Knitting, no. I’m inspired to try something. What’s the worst that could happen? I frog it?

I just found your blog and love it. I’m currently 38 weeks pregnant with my first baby and have spent this week diving into a new, luscious Brooklyn Tweed pattern while binge listening to your podcasts. Love it. Thank you for this. 🙂

It is so refreashing to hear someone openly talk about yarn, fibers and knitting the way I think about it. I love the podcast and feel like I’m not alone with my knitting thoughts anymore. Thank you so much.

Thank you for bringing such inspiration into my life every week! I have been introduced to so many beautiful makers and goods through you. And you also reminded me to purchase the Stashbot app for my phone, so thank you for that, too!

I loved this podcast. Feiicia inspired me the most and while scanning her blog I realized that I met her at my visit at Squam. The funny thing was…I just added some buttons on a sweater that one of her Squam roommates from the Nirvana cabin gave me. Brienne was featured on her blog. The world is such a small place, thanks again for the amazing inspiration. Can’t wait til next week!

PS Look into a story about the John C Campbell folk school near Western Asheville. They teach all sorts of fiber crafts such as weaving, spinning, natural dyeing, knitting and crochet. The woman that heads the department Martha Owen raises her own sheep. She then dyes the wool, spins the yarn, and creates beautiful sweater for her family and friends. She also owns a local yarn shop in the area. She would be perfect for you of your podcasts. I wish I could send you some pictures of some of the sweaters she made. They are utterly amazing!!!

This has probably been my favorite episode yet! I love Karen Templer. I had never heard of Felicia but I went right over and started following her blog! Thanks for introducing me to all kinds of wonderful fiber people! This episode really inspired me to want to knit a sweater. I have been intimidated by that but these 2 awesome women and you of course have inspired me to try it out sometime! Maybe I can start with a child’s sweater? Anyway keep up your awesome work!

I absolutely love this podcast! It makes me feel so connected to other fiber lovers out there. I’ve finally listened to all the episodes, so I can’t wait for the next one to come out.
Thanks for sharing all the fiber love!

This week really resonated with me as I had myself been thinking about not just jumping on the bandwagon of the next cutest thing. I need to put sometime into thinking about what I need and want to wear then knitting and making those items.

I recently discovered your podcast, blog and Rav group, thanks to a friend. I especially appreciate your efforts to use local products and am further inspired to work from my stash. I enjoy browsing thru the links too. Lots of great info.

each time I listen I think “this is my favorite episode yet!” — but truly I think this one has resonated with the most because I’m currently exploring my own pathways to an intentional, handmade wardrobe.
Also, I believe we met at the Wool Symposium this year — I was wearing a white & black knit cardigan which unfortunately is not handmade because everyone was complimenting me on it! I later realized that I already followed you on instagram. so, anywho, belated fangirl moment. Would love to hear more local Fibershed folks on Woolful though!

I’d heard about this podcast from Karen’s blog and then Felicia’s blog–nice that the first time I come I get to listen to both of them. Will definitely be back to work my way through all the previous podcasts. I was over at Fringe eyeing up the buttons and beautiful crochet hooks . . . the latter might make me stray from my knitting needles

I LOVE your podcast. Tuesdays have become my new favorite day of the week. I make a cup of tea, get out my latest knitting project and am completely transported by the stories and interviews and insights. Thank you for doing this Ashley.

I look forward to a new episode each week. I was spoiled at first since I had several to listen to in a row since there were several posted by the time I found out about it. You’ve made me really think about my fiber, yarn, and fabric stash, and where it comes from. This weeks’s guests have me thinking about if I’m being very responsible with what I have and contemplating how much I have that I can make without buying more. I like the idea of using what I have and just buying the patterns, notions, buttons, and bits, but using what I have. I’m planning now on buying yarn if I do that I know the history or story of how it came to be. The idea of super wash wool makes me cringe at the idea of the plastic coating it has now. I just don’t see myself buying it anymore. The guests this week talked about sewing too. I’ve been sewing for about 45 years since I learned when I was 8. This lead me to think about fabric, and about buying organic, responsibly grown cottons instead of mass produced yardage. That being said, I have plenty to work through first. Your podcast is pushing me to re-evaluate, set limits, and rethink priorities. Thanks so much for all the time spent putting your show together.

Thank you for all the late nights print this podcast together. I am continually blown away by the magnificent, thoughtful people you bring into my life while I listen to their stories. My grandmother taught me to knit when I was 8 but it wasn’t until I became a mother that I truly found joy in it. Your podcasts remind me that I belong to a special community. Thank you.